Although the assumption is that many people are ‘spiritual,’ spirituality is not something that is easy to articulate and define,” James said. “People have a hard time separating spirituality from religion, but the differences are important to understanding behavior and development.

James is most interested in learning how spirituality affects positive youth development in adolescents. He examined youth responses to the question “What does it mean to be a spiritual young person?”

His findings show that youth defined their spiritual behavior as having these characteristics:

purpose

the bond of connections, including those to a higher power (typically God), people and nature.

a foundation of well-being, including joy and fulfillment, energy and peace

conviction

self-confidence

an impetus for virtue; for example, having motivation to do the right thing and tell the truth.

Emerging adults tend to look at church as sort of an elementary school for morals, Smith concludes. Once you’ve got the basics of right and wrong, you eventually “graduate,” perhaps returning when it’s time for your own children to learn elementary morality.

This is a stark contrast to the idea of faith as a permanent, transcendent anchor of meaning amid crashing waves of change. Rather than the source of purpose they seek, these young people see a mere shadow of an important historical role of religious congregations: providing community and support for individuals and families from womb to tomb.

How do you define spirituality as distinct from religion? How can houses of worship help provide support for individuals throughout the stages of their lives? How can parents, adults and counselors help emerging adults find and develop their faith?

Wissel Joseph of Haiti, a deacon in the church, said that when he heard of the drowning he despaired, wondering what good could come of something so senseless. But the kindness of the church and the community at large has helped him see a greater meaning.

“God is using his death to show us the spirit, to bring people together,” Joseph said. “Breaking the barriers of languages, nations, religion, denomination. The way people have come together gives us a taste of how it’s going to be in heaven and how we’re supposed to be as Christians.”

A few stories from the weekend caught my attention and I thought I’d share them with you, and it’s odd that both are Catholic news from St. Louis. I’ll try to diversify for my next posting.

The first was about “the largest Scout Mass in U.S. history” held this weekend in St. Louis. Knowing that there was a Scouting event in Forest Park and that many Scout troops are sponsored by churches or parishes, this fact makes sense. But, I was intrigued nonetheless. It isn’t everyday that the archbishop leads Mass for a group of Boy Scouts, after all.

Archbishop Robert Carlson celebrates Mass with Boy Scouts in St. Louis on Sunday.

You see, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson is himself a former Scout. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he was “a few merit badges short of Eagle Scout,” but has remained active in Scouting his entire adult life — as waterfront director at Scout camps in college and as a member of Scouting boards of directors.

He also said the Archdiocese of St. Louis is the only Catholic diocese in the country with a separate department for Scouting.

A second story in the Post caught my eye because of its possible connections to Columbia. It seems that some nuns in Richmond Heights are leaving their convent for retirement communities elsewhere because the convent is no longer practical for such a small number of them.

In Columbia, the Benedictine Sisters are closing their monastery off West Broadway because it is not practical to keep it running with so few sisters remaining there. Former Missourian reporter Zack Aldrich did a profile of several Columbia nuns last year and spoke with some sisters at the monastery about their daily life. (Note: a link will be provided later; the site isn’t allowing searches right now.)

Missourian neighborhood reporters hope to bring you more news about the monastery and the future of the sisters there in the coming days and weeks. Keep checking back for updates, and tell us what you think.

Were you out of town for the Memorial Day holiday weekend and missed your regular worship service? Here’s a sampling of sermons from Columbia congregations for the weekend of May 29-30. You can hear what you might have missed or listen to a sermon from a pastor at a neighboring congregation. This list is far from exhaustive but several church sites hadn’t uploaded new sermons for the week.

Friends gathered to memorialize Jean Marie Vianey Mugabo-Kenda at his home on Wednesday.

Immigrant and faith communities mourn a loss:

Jean Marie Vianey Mugabo-Kenda’s life was defined by his faith; after he drowned, faith is how his friends and family remembered him. Mugabo-Kenda, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo died Monday in Columbia. Funeral services will be Friday at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1100 College Park Drive.

Columbians speak out about Israeli blockade on Gaza:

Two events on Wednesday allowed Columbia residents to express dismay over recent events that lead to nine deaths and furthered criticism of the Israeli blockade in Gaza. As the Missourian reported:

One story that caught my eye was from The New York Times. It talked about how abortion opponents are working to advance their cause at a state level. Knowing that faith-based groups and lobbying efforts by Missouri Right to Life have spurred legislation here, I thought it might be of interest to readers. Missouri is cited as an example in the story.

As the school year winds to a close, parents often are looking for ways of keeping their children busy. Some will choose summer camps or summer school programs, and many will seek out activities and lessons at local houses of worship.

Here’s a roundup of postings, most of which are available at our sister site, Missourian Neighborhood News. This list isn’t all-inclusive but does give you a starting place if you’re looking for ways to get involved in one of Columbia’s faith communities.

Fairview Road United Methodist Church is hosting a “neighborhood on the go” series June 10, 17 and 24 at the church. The event includes information about bike and pedestrian safety. The church will host Vacation Bible School Aug. 1-2 and 4-6.

Senior high youth from Missouri United Methodist Church will take a mission trip to Belize June 11-18. The church is planning its Vacation Bible School for 9 a.m. to noon, the week of June 19-23.

Area United Methodist churches will gather for a picnic June 26 at Rock Quarry Park.